The Embassy of Colombia thas announced that on Friday, May 29, Cartagena will be the scene for the presentation of results of an evaluation conducted by the Commission for the Advancement of the Afro Colombian, Palanque and Raizal Population. “We need to develop a racially inclusive approach in Colombia. The Commission’s recommendations aim to improve education, income generation and political representation, all conditions that will allow the complete and equal development of the Afro Colombian, Palenque and Raizal Community,” said Vice President Francisco Santos.

For over a year, the members of the Commission have been working to study the conditions of this population in Colombia, with the permanent participation of recognized members of the Afro Colombian, Palenque and Raizal community.Similarly, the Commission has received guidance from the United States Congressional Black Caucus, which has been open to share its expertise and knowledge with Colombia.
 
U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) has been particularly involved in theCommission’s work and has been fully supportive of the need to keep movingforward on this track. Mr. Meeks, together with Badi Foster, Phelp Stokes Fund; Julian Roberts, Assistant to Mr. Foster; Ambassador Larry Palmer, Inter-American Foundation; Joe Beasley, Southern regional director for the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition; Austin R. Cooper, Jr., Goodworks Institute; and Stephanie Jones, Urban League, will join Vice President Santos; Paula Moreno Zapata, Minister of Culture; Pastor Murillo, Director of Afro-Colombian Community Affairs, Ministry of Interior and Judith Pineda, Mayor of Cartagena, for the presentation that will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, after a series of meetings,which began today.
 
ABOUT THE COMMISSION
The Commission was established in October 2007, and started its work in May2008. It is led by Vice President Santos. The main purpose of the Commission was to evaluate the living conditions of the Afro Colombian, Palenque and Raizal population, and submit recommendations to the Government aimed at overcoming the existing barriers that have stifled the progress of this population, particularly in the economic and social fields, as well as regarding the protection and fulfillment of their civil rights.  

The Commission’s members include Government officials, Afro Colombian membersof Congress, the academic and private sectors. Likewise, there has beenpermanent participation of representatives of the Afro Colombian population,through its leaders and organizations, as well as international leaders –including representatives of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus.